Samantha Cole is a journalist focused on how technology affects sexuality, labor, and online communities. She co-founded 404 Med ia in 2023 to continue reporting on the intersections of digital platforms, policy, and personal autonomy following her tenure a t Vice’s Motherboard.

Reporting at Motherboard

Cole joined Motherboard in 2016, producing coverage on content moderation decisions, adult content platforms, and the labor con ditions of online creators. Her reporting examined how payment processors, platform policies, and emerging technologies shape ac cess to sexual health resources and sex work.

Building 404 Media

In launching 404 Media, Cole helped design member benefits and editorial workflows that support long-form investigations while m aintaining rapid response coverage of platform policy changes. She continues to publish dispatches on moderation debates, AI-po wered content tools, and labor organizing among creators.

Focus on Digital Rights and Autonomy

Cole’s work documents how regulatory changes and platform enforcement affect marginalized communities. By highlighting the exper iences of content creators, health educators, and online workers, she contributes to policy discussions about payment access, pr ivacy, and speech on major digital platforms.